Types of psychological therapy: which one do I choose?

Types of psychological therapy: which one do I choose?

As in other disciplines, there are different types of therapy in Psychology, which have different theoretical and practical foundations. Depending on the problems to be treated, choosing one or the other will be important in terms of effectiveness and, therefore, in terms of achieving greater psychological and emotional well-being.

Therefore, given the relevance, this article will briefly explain the existing models and their ways of working, so that the reader seeking professional help can have some basic notions when taking the step.

What types of psychological therapy exist

It could be said that there are 7 major psychotherapeutic models. Within each of them, there is a branch of therapy types. However, so that the text is not too dry, the basic concepts of the mentioned models are presented below:

Psychodynamic models. Also known as psychoanalytic, they are based on Freud’s classic formulations. Despite variations, new schools, and later developments, they have some common characteristics that point in the direction that human behavior is determined by the subject’s history and his drives (internal impulses that mobilize the person to calm them). They also emphasize the role of the unconscious in human behavior, the symbolic meanings of these, as well as neuroses (internal conflicts that lead to emotional instability).

Behavioral models. These are those that are based on behavior modification as the objective to promote change. The most relevant characteristic is the defense that most behavior is learned (both functional and dysfunctional). The object of intervention is the modification or elimination of maladaptive behaviors by adaptive ones. The intervention tries to make behavioral change observable and measurable, the focus is on the here and now and all procedures must be based on experimental psychology.

Humanistic and existential models. These are those that emphasize the importance of understanding human behavior through understanding the subjective experience of the person. It should be added that they are models with a strong philosophical basis. Regarding the main characteristics, they believe in an autonomous human being who makes his own decisions and at the same time relates to others, understands the human being globally, defends that the person tends towards self-realization, as well as justifies that human behavior is intentional.

Systemic models.

These models are a type of family therapy that understands that people and their problems do not exist in a vacuum, that is, they are linked to broader systems where the family is the main group. The basic assumptions are summarized in the theory of human communication, which says that it is impossible not to communicate and that incongruence in the levels of communication is the origin of problems. They consider the family as a system with a certain structure and the therapist is understood as a person who assists the family in times of crisis.

Cognitive models. This is a therapeutic approach that postulates that psychotherapeutic change is related to a type of cognitive change. It gives great importance to cognitions (belief systems, personal constructs, expectations, etc.) both in the origin of disorders and in the process of change in therapy.

Constructivist models.

They respond more to a philosophical context where a series of principles are gathered around man and the possibility of knowledge. Some common characteristics are that human beings are active participants in their existence (not passive in the face of stimuli), as well as that knowledge is an interpersonal construction that evolves throughout life.

Integrative models. These are not limited to a single way of understanding human problems and consider the use of different techniques. The underlying idea is that a single approach cannot provide an answer to all types of problems for all people. Some common characteristics are the recognition of the existence of factors common to different psychotherapies and the emphasis on the characteristics of the patient and the therapeutic relationship as the main ingredient for change.

Which ones are more suitable depending on the problem?

In general terms, it could be said that the cognitive-behavioral model is usually the one with the most empirical evidence. However, this does not mean that many of the other models are not effective, but that they are still in the process of further validation since more contrast is needed.

What model does PsyBilbo work through?

It could be said that PsyBilbo subscribes to the so-called integrative models. This means that, although its core is the cognitive-behavioral orientation, it includes characteristics of other orientations that make the therapy process more complete and enriching. These characteristics, considered very important, would be the following:

Therapeutic relationship or bond as an attribute of change.

Understanding human behavior through the subjective experience of the person.

Understanding the human personality from its systems, with relevance in the primary or family system.

The conception of the person as an individual, autonomous being, with an ego and self-realizing tendency, who at the same time coexists with other beings.

Within the relationship with the world, special emphasis on the person’s attachment style.

Establishment of individual beliefs/schemes as an essential part of the being and restructuring of those that cause dysfunction and, therefore, generate emotional discomfort.

The modification of certain behaviors through measurable and observable techniques.

If you need help and don’t know where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

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